Bridging the Gap: Addressing Healthcare Access Barriers for Diverse Older Adults Through an Integrated Framework Incorporating an Intersectional, Participatory Approach to Case Management in Healthcare

Intersecting barriers affecting healthcare access disproportionately impact older adults in the United States, leading to inequities such as cultural and language differences, health literacy issues, lack of social support, isolation, economic disparities, relationships with healthcare providers, and the necessity for community-based solutions. This capstone presentation emphasizes how these barriers are exacerbated for individuals in marginalized groups and those with multiple intersecting identities. Case management social work is critical in addressing healthcare equity for older adults by ensuring access to services. However, established healthcare frameworks have not successfully addressed the barriers older adults face, the impact of intersectionality, and the importance of including older adults in the process.

This capstone project explores the intersection of healthcare access barriers and systemic inequities faced by diverse older adult populations through integrating feminist, critical disability, and intersectionality theories. The integrated theoretical framework was used to create a resource guide for social worker case managers, facilitating a collaborative approach to identifying barriers and developing interventions for older adults through participatory action research (PAR). The guide includes a stratified risk assessment that enables case managers to address the barriers that older adults face through self-assessment, individual characteristics, health severity needs, cultural considerations, and lived experiences. This research aims to empower older adults and provide actionable solutions for social work professionals to bridge healthcare gaps and enhance their overall quality of life.